D.R. Congo | RAF Global Nutrition and Early Learning Initiative
In the heart of the Democratic Republic of Congo, a quiet transformation is taking shape, one
that begins with a single meal, a single smile, and the promise of a healthier future. RAF Global
has launched its comprehensive Nutrition Programme for preschoolers at the Early Childhood
Development (ECD) Centre in Mpasa Maba, Nsele, marking another milestone in its mission to
improve the quality of life for vulnerable communities across Africa and Asia.
This initiative ensures that every child enrolled in the programme receives a balanced,
nutritious meal every day, carefully designed to meet the dietary needs of growing children.
The menu has been structured and approved by the Programme National de Nutrition
(PRONANUT), the government body responsible for promoting national nutrition standards.
But this effort is about much more than food; it’s about nurturing potential. In communities
where many children face challenges such as food insecurity, malnutrition, and limited access to
healthcare, a nutritious meal can be life-changing. It provides not only physical strength but also
the foundation for concentration, learning, and long-term development.
Nutrition as the Foundation for Learning
“Education cannot happen on an empty stomach,” says a local teacher at the Mpasa Maba ECD
Centre, watching the children line up for their morning meal. “When the children are nourished,
they smile more, play more, and learn faster.”
Recognizing the powerful link between nutrition and education, RAF Global’s Nutrition
Programme integrates feeding with its Early Learning Programme. Each meal is crafted to
include essential food groups—proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals—ensuring that
children receive the right nutrients for their age.
A trained nutritionist, who recently completed an intensive one-day capacity-building session
conducted jointly by RAF Global and PRONANUT, now supervises the programme. This expert
oversees the weekly meal plans, monitors food quality, and regularly tracks the children’s health
and growth indicators.
These detailed assessments help identify early signs of malnutrition, enabling timely
intervention and continuous improvement in dietary practices. Parents are also engaged
through community sessions that teach them about the importance of balanced diets and
hygienic food preparation at home, creating a holistic ecosystem of care that extends beyond
the classroom.
Expanding Access to Early Education and Care
The nutrition programme is complemented by RAF Global’s Early Learning Programme, which
currently supports 484 children from underprivileged families for the academic year
2025–2026.
With the addition of three new ECD Centres in Nsele, Kimbanseke, and Mont Ngafula, RAF
Global now operates seven centres across the region. These centres are more than learning
spaces—they are safe havens where children can learn, grow, and dream in a nurturing
environment.
Each centre combines early education, health monitoring, and nutrition support, forming an
integrated approach that addresses multiple aspects of childhood development. Lessons are
designed to stimulate curiosity and creativity, while trained teachers ensure that every child
receives individual attention.
The long-term goal is to ensure that these children not only enter primary school better prepared
but also continue their education with a stronger foundation for success.
A Vision Rooted in Community and Sustainability
RAF Global’s approach is deeply community-driven. Before launching the programme, the team
worked closely with local authorities, health departments, and community leaders to
identify the most vulnerable families and ensure inclusivity.
By hiring and training local women as cooks and assistants, RAF Global is also contributing
to women’s empowerment and local economic development. The initiative thus supports
multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Quality
Education (SDG 4), and Gender Equality (SDG 5).
Sustainability remains at the core of this project. Regular monitoring, data-driven
decision-making, and partnerships with local and national institutions ensure that the
programme can continue to grow without compromising quality.
A Step Toward a Healthier Tomorrow
In a region where countless children still face the risk of stunted growth due to chronic
malnutrition, initiatives like this bring tangible hope. Every bowl of food served represents more
than nutrition—it is a symbol of care, equality, and dignity.
RAF Global believes that small, consistent efforts can create lasting impact. By combining
compassion with evidence-based strategies, the organisation has been able to reach millions
across Africa and Asia, empowering them to build better futures for themselves and their
communities.
At the Mpasa Maba ECD Centre, laughter fills the air as children finish their lunch and rush back
to their classrooms. It’s a simple, joyful sound—but behind it lies a powerful story of collective
will and transformative change.
Together, We Build Futures
Through partnerships, innovation, and unwavering dedication, RAF Global continues to build
pathways toward a healthier, more equitable world. With each new centre, each meal
served, and each child empowered, the organisation reaffirms its belief that when we invest in
our children, we invest in humanity’s brightest future.
Together, we’re ensuring that every child not only learns but also grows strong, healthy,
and happy.
